June 25, 2026
Personal fireworks are currently prohibited anywhere in Riverton due to a statewide fireworks ban issued through an executive order by Governor Spencer Cox. Lighting personal fireworks of any kind is illegal through July 21, 2026.
Professional display fireworks, including the Riverton Town Days fireworks show on July 4, are still permitted. After July 5, the state will review conditions and determine next steps ahead of Pioneer Day.
What qualifies as a firework? Riverton City follows the definitions outlined in Utah State Code. For more information, see Utah State Code 53-7-202.
A message from Mayor Buroker:
I would like to spend a few minutes discussing the Executive Order issued by our Governor, Spencer Cox, restricting personal fireworks throughout the entire state, and the decision made by myself and our Fire Marshal supporting this order.
This year is an extraordinary year—not just because of the semiquincentennial, but because of the extreme fire danger that exists. In 2026, there have been over 380 fires burning in our state to date, versus last year at this same time, when there were only 23. Just last week, three firefighters lost their lives, and two more were injured. A fire in our residential neighborhoods would be devastating. My primary responsibility as Mayor is to protect the health and safety of our community.
The argument has been made that this order should not pertain to Riverton because we are such an urban area. According to firefighting experts, however, we actually live in a community known as a wildland-urban intermix area. This is because our city features four canals, the Jordan River open space, and dry creeks, such as Midas Creek and Rose Creek, winding through our city that are considered wildlands. Thus, the danger of a fire in an unprecedented year of heat, dry winds, and drought conditions still makes Riverton an unsafe place to launch fireworks. In addition to our city's hazardous areas, limited resources must be considered.
If a fire occurs in the foothills of Draper or Herriman, for example, resources in Riverton will need to respond. This would leave minimal resources here in our community. The current fire risk is much larger than just our city. The Unified Fire Authority has recommended cities maintain the fireworks ban, per the Governor's order.
I have been so excited for the Fourth of July this year, and like you, I am disappointed. But I accept the wisdom of the decision. We will still have great fireworks at the Main Park on the Fourth of July, and there will be a brief five-minute fireworks show as part of the July 2 concert.
Let's be safe and prudent this Fourth of July. There are many other wonderful activities planned at the Main Park July 1 through 5 as part of our annual Town Days Celebration. In addition, consider some new traditions. Enjoy a neighborhood barbecue. Gather for a movie night. Engage in a spontaneous parade.
There were no fireworks on July 4, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was signed, and we can still have a wonderful day 250 years later.
I can't wait to see you at our parade, the chuckwagon breakfast, and our other exciting Town Days events.
Thank you,
Mayor Buroker
Press / Media Contact:
pio@rivertonutah.gov
801-208-3134
